"Kneecap" and Saoirse Ronan nab BAFTA 2025 nominations

Rich Peppiatt's movie "Kneecap" has earned six BAFTA 2025 nominations, while Saoirse Ronan earned a Leading Actress nomination for "The Outrun."

Just the day after receiving 17 Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) Award nominations, the comedy-drama "Kneecap" has been nominated for six BAFTA Awards - Outstanding British Film, Outstanding Debut, Film Not in the English Language, Original Screenplay, Casting (Carla Stronge), and Editing (Julian Ulrichs, Chris Gill).

Ronan, who also landed an IFTA nomination on Tuesday, has been nominated at the 2025 BAFTAs in the Leading Actress category for her turn in the film "The Outrun."

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"Kneecap" nabs six BAFTA nominations

Reacting to the nominations for "Kneecap", writer-director Rich Peppiatt said: "It's a huge honor as a filmmaker to see your work recognized by some of the best in the business that make up BAFTA.

"And the idea of Prince William handing an award to Kneecap is already the best thing that could happen in 2025, and it's only January."

The Belfast rap trio Kneecap added: “For long enough the British government has stolen Ireland's treasures, and even our f--king food - there was no famine.

"To be first-time actors and now get to hopefully go over and take a few bits back the other way is a nice change and long may it continue.

"Ireland taking British awards is f--king hilarious. This acting business is handy."

In a statement, TG4, the Irish language TV station and broadcast partner for "Kneecap," said: "For a language often viewed as being in decline, the success of 'Kneecap' is a cultural and cinematic triumph.

"The film’s nominations are proof that Irish-language productions can compete—and win—on the world stage, standing shoulder to shoulder with blockbuster films.

"Audiences and critics alike are hungry for authentic, culturally rooted storytelling, and TG4’s investment in 'Kneecap' has proven that these stories can captivate audiences worldwide."

Proinsias Ní Ghráinne, TG4’s Commissioning Editor, added: “'Kneecap' is more than just a film; it’s a movement that has carved a unique space in Ireland's youth culture and now in global cinema. 

"'Kneecap' has yet again brought the Irish language to the most important stages of the world as a powerful creative channel that speaks to indigenous cultures, music lovers and anyone who appreciates good storytelling."

The BAFTA nominations for "Kneecap" arrive hot on the heels of 17 IFTA nods announced for the film on Tuesday, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Script, and an extraordinary triple Lead Actor recognition for Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh.

Over the weekend, the film earned the prestigious FIPRESCI Prize for Best Actor in an International Feature Film, awarded collectively to the Kneecap trio at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Additionally, "Kneecap" has been shortlisted for two Academy Awards®, including Best International Feature and Best Original Song for "Sick in the Head." The Oscar nominations will be announced on January 23.

Saoirse Ronan - Leading Actress

Meanwhile, Saoirse Ronan has also been nominated for Leading Actress for her role in the drama "The Outrun." She's up against Cynthia Erivo for "Wicked," Marianne Jean-Baptiste for "Hard Truths," Demi Moore for "The Substance," Mikey Madison for "Anora," and Karla Sofia Gascon for "Emilia Pérez."

Based on the best-selling memoir by Amy Liptrot, "The Outrun" tells the story of Rona, a young woman who returns to the Orkney Islands after ten years of partying in London and a spell in rehab for alcoholism.

The movie itself has also been nominated in the Outstanding British Film category.

Ronan also received nominations from the IFTAs on Tuesday. The Co Carlow star was nominated for Leading Actress for "The Outrun" and Supporting Actress in Film for "The Blitz."

The ten films with the most BAFTA 2025 nominations are "Conclave" (10), "Emilia Pérez" (11), "The Brutalist" (9), "Anora" (7), "Dune: Part Two" (7), "Wicked" (7), "A Complete Unknown" (6), "Kneecap" (6), "Nosferatu" (5), and "The Substance" (5).

The BAFTA Awards will take place on Sunday, February 16, airing on BBC One and iPlayer.